5 Key Takeaways
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1
A SpaMedica-commissioned report estimates that four additional weeks of cataract surgery waiting could cost England £406.7 million annually.
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2
About half of England’s integrated care boards have introduced mandatory cataract surgery waits of up to 16 weeks, compared with previous waits of about 4 weeks.
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3
Among 520 surveyed patients awaiting NHS cataract surgery, 85% reported worsening vision, 69% reported deteriorating mental health, and 75% reported greater social withdrawal.
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4
Almost one-third of working-age respondents reduced their working hours, 21% stopped working, and about three-quarters needed more help after referral.
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5
The report’s financial figures are modeled estimates, and its survey does not establish that mandatory waiting policies caused patients’ reported health deterioration.
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